Transfer talk: Edin Dzeko, David Silva and a trio from Real

After a quiet couple of days regarding incoming players, City’s transfer talk returned today with Dzeko, Silva, Gago, Higuain and van der Vaart all linked with a move to the club!

First off was a report in Spain’s AS paper, conveniently translated by IMScouting, that Garry Cook was flying out in a private jet (unlikely) to negotiate with Valencia for the winger David Silva.

Two footed Silva fulfills the role vacated by Robinho and Martin Petrov, and would possibly be an alternative to di Maria, who has been strongly linked with Real Madrid. The Spaniard is more versatile than the one-footed Argentine, though there are question marks as to whether either could adapt to the physical demands of the English game.

They’re both highly sought after, and either would constitute an exciting signing who could improve the supply line to the strikers.

Not to be outdone by AS, Marca had City down for a Real Madrid trio. All are plausible, though it looks increasingly likely that Jose Mourinho will have a strong say in who we end up with this Summer. If he wishes to re-structure the Real squad, then these players could be up for sale. Due to their excessive spending last Summer, Real will want to recoup as much money as possible – and that’s where City come in.

Unfortunately for City, Mourinho is due a holiday and it could be a while before he decides who he wants for next season. Interestingly, the Portuguese doesn’t sound entirely convinced by di Maria.

Taking Real’s cast-offs doesn’t sound so exciting until you think what Robben and Sneider have done this season. Higuain would be a more than adequate step up from Santa Cruz. Van der Vaart may be an alternative target to Silva or the numerous creative midfielders we’ve been linked with.

It was only a matter of time before talk of Gago resurfaced. An alternative to Barry and de Jong was a priority for Mancini in January, which wasn’t resolved when McDonald Mariga failed to get a work permit. Many people doubt whether the Argentine could cope with the pace of a Premier League midfield, and someone with the athleticism of Mariga may be preferable.

Finally, Sky Sports claimed we were in discussions with Dzeko’s people. The Bosnian has real strength in the air and would provide the target man option to our attack. If we sign Dzeko then it’s hard to see us going for Ibrahimovic if he becomes available, and Roque Santa Cruz’s days could look numbered. Maybe a return to the Bundesliga would suit the Paraguayan, if Wolfsburg were interested. It could help reduce a hefty transfer fee.

All in all an interesting day with some plausible targets. Whether any of them ever don the blue shirt remains to be seen, but it’s great to be linked with players of such quality.

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Comments

  1. The problem is, until I can tell what sort of style City will play next year, the question is difficult to answer. If we are going to keep playing 4-5-1 counter attacking football, then Dzeko doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. If we are going to play some variation of 4-4-2 with two wingers and de Jong, then Dzeko makes sense as a “lead the line” with Tevez free to roam.

  2. IMO we’re still punching above our weight in the transfer market. especially with these spanish players…man city is not viewed in a positive light in spain. silva has said united is his preferred destination, and Di Maria has also said that. Van der Vaart is wanted by United, Liverpool, and Tottenham. Gago and Artetta look the most likely, but Barry has stated that if too many CM’s come in he will try and force a leave. Instead of chasing every decent player under the sun, we would be much better to focus on a few players.

  3. dzeko is a fantastic player and if he comes us than adios adebayor who is 2 lazy

    • Hi Wylie, personally I see Dzeko as a target man upgrade on Santa Cruz rather than a replacement for Adebayor. If we’re looking at Higuain as well as Dzeko, then Adebayor’s place looks a little less secure!

      I’d keep Ade for now. There’s other areas of the team more in need of improvement – in my opinion.

  4. telegraph now suggesting we will wait for Dzeko’s buy out clause to expire, in order to get him for less… maybe by taking away the €40m limit it will also deter other clubs from entering into a bidding war.

    great player, strong as an ox, fantastic awareness and movement, uses both feet to finish, as well as his head. seems to know when to use finesse and when just to blast it. he has progressed well year on year, and dominated the bundesliga last season.

    seems to fit the bill, young, improving, techincally gifted, strong…. perhaps most importantly he is clinical and intelligent, two traits that we are sorely lacking.

  5. When did Barry state that he’d instigate a move if more CM came in? That one slipped under the radar…

    For me VDV certainly, Higuain also, Gago I’m not so fussed about, Silva won’t take the step down which is what we are at present.

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